Let's Take the Kids Travel Agency - Old - RSS FeedCelebrating more than 26 years assisting families with travel arrangements to worldwide destinations. <p>Our website will keep you up-to-date on current family travel trends, information and advice.</p> <p>We recommend that you <br><br><a href="http://letstakethekidstravel.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0221590c3a32883ceb7befc84&amp;id=fd80951b9e" class="big-btn">Sign-Up</a><br><br> for our "Hot Off The Press" Free Newsletter occasional emails with special travel offers "Just for Families"</p>
rrr2016-09-08 22:54:01 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/rrr
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/rrrSunwing's "Kidcation" Brochure to download...<p>To download Sunwing's exclusive family-oriented "Kidcation" brochure, <a href='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/alex/1448482149.699941_SunwingKidcation2015.pdf'>please click this link</a>.</p><p>Contact us to research and book your own family's "Kid-cation"!</p>2019-01-15 11:48:06 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/sunwing-s-kidcation-brochure-to-download
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/sunwing-s-kidcation-brochure-to-downloadWestjet's Black Friday Sale starts today, lasts a week<h3>Over 500,000 seats on sale from $99 - $399*<br />
<span style='font-size:10px'>*Act quickly, these seats won’t last! Some restrictions apply. </span></h3><p>For flights within Canada, to the US, to the Caribbean and Mexico too...</p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;p&gt;Also savings are available (up to $1000*) on Westjet Vacations packages too!&lt;br /&gt;</pre>
<p><span style='font-size:10px'><em>Some restrictions apply.</em></span>&lt;/p&gt;<pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Book by:&lt;/strong&gt; November 30, 2015 (11:59 p.m. MT)&lt;br /&gt;</pre></p>
<p><strong>Travel from: </strong>Now - April 30, 2016 (no blackout dates!)&lt;/p&gt;</p>
2017-11-20 13:42:18 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/westjet-s-black-friday-sale-starts-today-lasts-a-week
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/westjet-s-black-friday-sale-starts-today-lasts-a-week"Black Friday" travel deals?!! Maybe!<p>We are going to highlight a couple of things in our blog that actually might be worth checking out as part of Black Friday madness!</p><p>Of course, some of it will likely be hype, but there are definitely going to be deals to be had and if you've been waiting to book, maybe this will be the chance you're looking for.</p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Note of caution:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;</pre>
<p><em>Lots of the best family-oriented resorts are already sold out, or have extremely limited availability for popular dates - yes, Christmas, New Year and March Break - so a lot of places aren&#39;t going to have much in the way of deals for many dates. </em>&lt;/p&gt;</p>
2016-09-09 00:27:22 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/black-friday-travel-deals-maybe
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/black-friday-travel-deals-maybeOur general voicemail was broken... please accept our apologies if we ignored your call<p>Our agents' individual mailboxes have been working seamlessly, but our general mailbox has quietly been accepting messages and simply not notifying us in any way that messages were there (and piling up). It does make us sound like we're not really on the ball, but our agents usually work from different offices and none of us individually had noticed that we weren't getting any "general" messages, as each of our own voice mails were working.</p><p>Our phone administrators fixed the problem for us this morning and .... to our dismay we found that we managed to leave upwards of 50 people "hanging" with no responses from us.</p><p>Unfortunately we managed to further compound the problem this morning as when attempting to save the messages (in order to call back each person that left a message and got nothing in return) all but a handful were in fact "not saved" and now we cannot even call back (very late) in order to apologise for not responding.</p><p>So, just in case anyone that attempted to call us, is checking the website still, we apologise profusely for missing your call. It was quite a shock this morning to find what had happened...</p>2018-11-19 14:13:50 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/our-general-voicemail-was-broken-please-accept-our-apologi
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/our-general-voicemail-was-broken-please-accept-our-apologiWe're in the news...<p>Essentially the topic was about getting good "south" deals in January. My take was that while this is indeed a kind of "dead spot" in the winter season with cheaper prices on lots of winter sun products, the best resorts for families are often sold-out way in advance, so the "last-minute" thing is way less useful for families that know what they want, than someone who may be willing to go anywhere cheap...</p><p>Anyway, if you're interested, you can follow this link to the article: <a href='http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/freezing-yet-nows-the-time-to-take-a-cheap-sun-vacation'>http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/freezing-yet-nows-the-time-to-take-a-cheap-sun-vacation</a></p>2017-10-18 09:55:45 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/we-re-in-the-news
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/we-re-in-the-newsHoliday Opening Hours<pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;table align=&quot;center&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width:500px&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;
&lt;table align=&quot;center&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;2&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; style=&quot;width:100%&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tue&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;23rd&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;9.00-5.30 &lt;span style=&quot;font-size:10px&quot;&gt;(by voicemail &amp; email only)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt;Christmas Eve&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Wed&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;24th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;Closed&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt;Christmas Day&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Thu&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;25th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;Closed&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt;Boxing Day&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fri&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;26th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;Closed&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sat&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;27th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;Closed&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Sun&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;28th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;Closed&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mon&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;29th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;9.00-5.30 &lt;span style=&quot;font-size:10px&quot;&gt;(by voicemail &amp; email only)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tue&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;30th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;9.00-5.30 &lt;span style=&quot;font-size:10px&quot;&gt;(by voicemail &amp; email only)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt;New Year&#39;s Eve&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Wed&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;31st&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;9.00-12.00&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:10px&quot;&gt; (by voicemail &amp; email only)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt;New Year&#39;s Day&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Thu&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; 1st&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;Closed&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Fri&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; 2nd&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;9.00-5.30&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:10px&quot;&gt; (by voicemail &amp; email only)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); text-align:right; width:30%&quot;&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255); text-align:right&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mon&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(204, 204, 255)&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; 5th&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255); width:50%&quot;&gt;9.00-5.30&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:10px&quot;&gt; (office open as normal)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;</pre><p>In the case of a travel emergency, when we are closed, you can reach us via our emergency phone numbers - Edmundo on 613 864 5515 or Alex/Warna on 613 400 1934. Please leave a message if we can't answer the phone and we'll get back to you ASAP.</p>2018-07-05 14:48:41 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/holiday-opening-hours-2
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/holiday-opening-hours-2G Adventures new "Teen Adventures"<p>If there’s one thing teens and almost-teens agree on, it’s that travelling with their parents is the Worst. Thing. Ever. It doesn’t have to be. We know teens are up for more challenges than younger kids, so we’ve taken some of our itineraries suitable for adults and transformed them into adventures for families with older kids. Adventures with teens allow older kids to enjoy each others’ company while experiencing the more grown-up activities together. And our teen tours offer more challenges and choice than our other Family trips. Give your young adults something they really want: Something of their own.</p><p><span />Spanning 3 continents and 14 countries, the trips are designed to deliver and mix of adventure and education. "Teen Adventures" was developed based on feedback from travel agents and clients offering more age-appropriate activities for children 12 and up.</p><p>For pictures, videos, stories and much more info, go to <a href='https://www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/family/teenage-departures/' target='_blank'>https://www.gadventures.com/travel-styles/family/teenage-departures/</a></p>2016-11-18 02:08:46 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/g-adventures-new-teen-adventures
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/g-adventures-new-teen-adventuresYour Chance to Experience a Club Med Holiday<pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;table align=&quot;center&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;
&lt;table align=&quot;center&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;&gt;
&lt;tbody&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:13px&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:arial&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;It&#39;s never too early to start planning your winter vacation. In fact, now is the best time!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Early booking rates are now available for getaways during December through April of next year. Book now and ensure our best prices of the year with all-inclusive escapes starting from just $849* per person, per week.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This is your chance to save on a ski getaway, Easter vacation, Spring Break and other popular travel periods from December 20, 2014 through April 25, 2015!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td style=&quot;vertical-align:top&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://mailing.pheromone.ca/editor_images/image_950dd8b9/-2014-B2B2C-CAD/20140514/enca-EN.png&quot; style=&quot;height:245px; width:206px&quot; /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;
&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://mailing.pheromone.ca/editor_images/image_950dd8b9/-2014-B2B2C-CAD/20140514/offer-EN.png&quot; style=&quot;height:1089px; width:599px&quot; /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://mailing.pheromone.ca/editor_images/image_950dd8b9/20140226-USTA-B2B2C-Holidays/USTA5.png&quot; style=&quot;border:0px solid; height:145px; width:600px&quot; /&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:12px&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:arial&quot;&gt;Please call your preferred travel agent below to book your next Club Med vacation:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:arial&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:12px&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:14px&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Let&#39;s take the kids travel&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
70 Billings Ave&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
K1H 5K7 Ottawa&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
613 594 5633&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;td&gt; &lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;tr&gt;
&lt;td colspan=&quot;2&quot; style=&quot;text-align:justify&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:9px&quot;&gt;*Sample price is per adult, based on double occupancy in a Club Room for a 7-night stay at Club Med Turkoise, Turks &amp; Caicos or Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida on select travel dates between January 10 and February 7, 2015. Offer does not include round-trip flights and transfers. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates between December 20, 2014 and May 1st, 2015 and must be booked by June 26, 2014.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(1) Sample price is per adult, based on double occupancy in a Club Room for a 7-night stay at Club Med Cancun Yucatan, Mexico on select travel dates between January 10 and February 7, 2015. Offer does not include round-trip flights and transfers. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates between December 20, 2014 and May 1st, 2015 and must be booked by June 26, 2014.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(2) Sample price is per adult, based on double occupancy in a Club Room for a 7-night stay at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific on select travel dates between January 10 and February 7, 2015. Offer does not include round-trip flights and transfers. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates between December 20, 2014 and May 1st, 2015 and must be booked by June 26, 2014.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(3) Sample price is per adult, based on double occupancy in a Club Room for a 7-night stay at Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida on select travel dates between January 10 and February 7, 2015. Offer does not include round-trip flights and transfers. Valid for new individual bookings only for select travel dates between December 20, 2014 and May 1st, 2015 and must be booked by June 26, 2014.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Guests must be booked in the same Club Room for a minimum 3-night stay to qualify (Columbus Isle must be booked with Club Med charter flights, minimum of 7 nights required). Subject to capacity control and may increase at any time. Blackout dates apply. For Turkoise all guests must be 18 years old and older. For Columbus Isle, all guests must be 2 and older. Prices include the GST and PST Club Med is not responsible for errors or omissions. Club Med Membership fees of $60 per adult and $30 per child are additional. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. For travel services booked with a Québec Travel Consultant, prices exclude the clients’ contribution to the Indemnity Fund, which amounts to $1 per $1,000 of travel services purchased. Québec permit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Privacy Policy: Your Personal Information is solely intended for use by members of the Club Méditerranée Group. We respect the privacy of our web site visitors and follow strict guidelines for protecting and maintaining any and all information we may have about you. This responsibility is fundamental to our business. In connection with meeting this responsibility, Club Med Sales, Inc. is a member of the Direct Marketing Association and participates in its DMA Privacy Promise to American and Canadian consumers. A visitor providing information through this site may delete personal information that we maintain in the ordinary course of our business. You can exercise this option by calling 1-888-WEB CLUB (1-888-932-2582, toll free), or by sending a letter to: Guest Relations, Club Med Sales, 2, Place Alexis Nihon, suite 1500, Montreal, QC, H3Z 3C1, CANADA.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/td&gt;
&lt;/tr&gt;
&lt;/tbody&gt;
&lt;/table&gt;</pre>2016-09-09 00:45:17 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/your-chance-to-experience-a-club-med-holiday
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/your-chance-to-experience-a-club-med-holidayHistoric Centre of Brugge. You have to check this out !!!<p>The Historic Town of Brugge with its Gothic settlements is a classic example of a city that have for centuries seen the exchange of cultural values including the development of architecture, innovative artistic influences as well as commercial interests. In fact, the 19th century renovation of facades introduced the neo-gothic style that is special to Brugge. The history of the city is closely associated with the Flemish Primitive painting.</p><p><strong>Archaeological excavations</strong></p><p>Excavations in the region show that the city of Brugge was occupied from the Iron Age and the Gallo-roman period. It was the military and administrative center and had commercial links with Scandinavia even in those early days. The name Brugge is first mentioned in a Carolingian coin that beared the name ‘Bruggia’. The residents of the city had put up defense fortifications that numbered 851 in total.</p><p>Check out the following synthesis for the history of Brugge:</p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;ul&gt;</pre>
<pre><code>&lt;li&gt;1200 – Brugge fair is established with help of the British contacts. It is also during this time that the city developed the belfry in Grand’Place as well as developing as an important economic center in Europe.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1419 to 1467 – Under Philippe de le Bon, Brugge developed as a court center. Flemish Primitive School was also established during this time. Miniature paintings, humanism and Renaissance art became the center of attraction in the city.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;15th century – Brugge entered stagnation. The Flemish regions were integrated into Habsburg Empire. Discovery of America displaced the economics in favor of the Atlantic instead of Mediterranean.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1600 to 1800 – This period saw the building of canal systems that re-connected the city of Brugge to its maritime past&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1815 to 1830 – Brugge was part of United Kingdom of the Netherlands.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;1830 – It became part of Belgium, a situation it still retains today.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Late 19th century – English Aristocrats heavily influenced the place.&lt;/li&gt;</code></pre>
<p><strong>Attractions</strong></p><p>The Burg and the Grand'Place Squares are the major attractions. They have been the pride of Brugge for 1000 years.</p><p>If not for anything else, visit Brugge for its historical sentimental value.</p>2017-08-23 02:59:27 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/historic-centre-of-brugge-you-have-to-check-this-out
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/historic-centre-of-brugge-you-have-to-check-this-outThe Canadian Rockies. You gotta travel here!!!<p>The Canadian Rockies are Canada’s greatest natural heritage. They are grand, beautiful, majestic, alluring…pick the adjective. If you are looking for a place to experience real fun, then there is no better place in the world. The Canadian Rockies Mountains consists of the following Parks:</p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;ul&gt;</pre>
<pre><code>&lt;li&gt;Banff National Park&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Jasper National Park&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Kootenay National Park&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Yoho National Park&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mount Robson Provincial Park&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Hamber Provincial Park&lt;/li&gt;</code></pre>
<p>The parks also include mountains, canyons, limestone caves, glaciers and hot springs and the headwaters of major North American river systems including:</p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;ul&gt;</pre>
<pre><code>&lt;li&gt;North Saskatchewan River&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Athabasca River&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Columbia River&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Fraser River&lt;/li&gt;</code></pre>
<p>The mountains are southeastern-northwestern oriented and are nestled along the continental Divide that consists of Western Ranges, Front Ranges, Main Ranges and Foothills – all of these are well represented in the parks.</p><p>Noteworthy for the visitor is the still active glaciers and ice fields in the Main Ranges with the most important being the North America’s largest subarctic ice field – the Columbia Ice Field – which covers 325 square kilometers and straddles both Jasper and Banff National Parks.</p><p>The flora diversity here is as intense as in the other Canadian National Heritage Sites. The forest cover will be found at the altitude of 1200 meters to 1800 meters and include species such as Douglas fir, poplar, aspen, white spruce etc. On the Alpine altitude of 1800 meters to 2100 meters, you will find the low growing vegetation such as willow and dwarf birch, mountain avens, sedge and heath.</p><p>56 species of mammals are to be found in this region. They include; the Rocky Mountain goat, hoary marmot, bighorn sheep as well as carnivores such as grey wolf, lynx, puma, wolverine, black bear etc. There are also the 280 species of birds that include; golden eagle, rock pipit, grey jay and many more</p><p>As a tourist in this region, you will have more than your full share of adventure. From sports such as skiing, cross-country skiing, horse sleigh riding, dogsledding and many more winter sports to such fun activities as hiking, bathing in hot water springs and even golfing; the Canadian Rocky Mountains Parks is one of those places you visit over and over again without exhausting the fun.</p>2018-11-29 07:41:31 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/the-canadian-rockies-you-gotta-travel-here
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/the-canadian-rockies-you-gotta-travel-herePark'n'fly savings<p><img alt='' src='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/alex/1369851650_large.jpg' style='float:left; height:260px; margin-left:12px; margin-right:12px; width:326px' />With summer business in full gear, Park&rsquo;N Fly has launched its long term special, <strong>pay for 7 days and stay up to 28 days.</strong> That&rsquo;s an incredible deal!</p><p>In addition you can also save on short term stays, <strong>with discounts of up to $67.00* off the rack rate.</strong> These offers are unique and only available to our customers through our office. <a href='mailto:alex@lttk.ca?subject=Please%20send%20me%20the%20Park&apos;n&apos;Fly%20Summer%20e-voucher'>Contact us</a> and we&#39;ll email you the e-voucher...</p><h5>*Savings of $67.00 relates to Valet location on a weekly stay.</h5>2013-05-29 14:15:33 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/park-n-fly-savings
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/park-n-fly-savingsDisney Cruises add 4 Pixar-themed cruises in September 2013<p>These particular Disney cruise sailings are unique - ideal for Pixar fans of all ages. Check out the list below of all the onboard Pixar experiences, not usually offered on Disneys (already awesome) cruise ships, as well as experiences in port and exclusive gifts for all guests on these special sailings.</p><h1 style='text-align:center'>7-night California Coast cruises on the Disney Wonder</h1><h3 style='text-align:center'>Visiting San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico<br />
September 16, 23, 30 and October 7<br />
&nbsp;</h3><p><strong>Onboard Pixar Experiences</strong></p><ul>
<li>See and hear Pixar filmmakers during special presentations</li>
<li>Get a sneak peek at the upcoming Disney&bull;Pixar feature <em>Monsters University</em></li>
<li>Attend the premiere at sea of Finding Nemo 3D and enjoy a marathon of Disney&bull;Pixar movies and shorts</li>
<li>A special exhibition celebrating the art and artists of Pixar, character meet-and-greets, dance parties and much more.</li>
</ul><p><strong>In Port Experiences</strong></p><ul>
<li>Port Adventure to the Walt Disney Family Museum</li>
<li>Port Adventures to Napa and Sonoma for wine tastings</li>
</ul><p><strong>A Gift For All Guests</strong></p><ul>
<li>Commemorative lithograph created by Pixar artist and Brave co-director/screenwriter, Steve Purcell.</li>
</ul><p><a href='mailto:alex@lttk.ca?subject=Pixar%20Cruises'>Contact us</a> to check out pricing and availability on these really special cruises.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>2013-05-28 18:28:47 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/disney-cruises-add-4-pixar-themed-cruises-in-september-2013
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/disney-cruises-add-4-pixar-themed-cruises-in-september-2013Our mini disco Your boogie wonderland<p><a href='http://agents.travelsavers.com/portals/TSExtranet/Docs/CA/MiscDocs/Transat_FamilyCollectionFamilyLifestyle.pdf'>Check out this flyer for more details</a> and then call us...</p>2016-09-09 00:52:02 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/our-mini-disco-your-boogie-wonderland
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/our-mini-disco-your-boogie-wonderlandUniworld’s Multigenerational Family-Friendly River Cruises<p><a href='http://agents.travelsavers.com/portals/TSExtranet/Docs/CA/MiscDocs/2014%20Uniworld%20Family-Friendly%20Program.pdf'>Follow this link for a flyer with details of the family river cruises and special kids programs.</a></p>2016-09-09 00:52:03 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/uniworld-s-multigenerational-family-friendly-river-cruises
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/uniworld-s-multigenerational-family-friendly-river-cruisesPresenting "Collette Family Vacations"<p>Collette Family Vacations brings travelers of all ages together to experience the world's greatest destinations. Their specially-crafted packages offer engaging cultural experiences, family oriented hotels and immersive activities at a tremendous value. Wherever you decide to go, their affordable rates, multiple departures and highly-inclusive itineraries make the most of every moment. It's the perfect fit for your family.</p><h3><a href='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/lets-take-the-kids-travel-agency90/3qit99kzrz8.pdf'><img alt='' src='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/alex/1366213672_original.jpg' style='float:right; height:300px; margin:0px 10px; width:234px' /></a>Collette Family Vacations Feature:</h3><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;ul&gt;</pre>
<pre><code>&lt;li&gt;Carefully designed itineraries to keep all generations engaged.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Substantially discounted rates for children 14 and under.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Child rates that apply even with only one accompanying adult.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Family friendly hotels and activities.&lt;/li&gt;</code></pre>
<p><a href='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/lets-take-the-kids-travel-agency90/3qit99kzrz8.pdf'>Please see our flyer for details of the 7 fantastic tours that are offered. </a></p>2016-09-09 00:52:02 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/presenting-collette-family-vacations
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/presenting-collette-family-vacationsKids Stay Eat and Play Free<p>
<a href='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/lets-take-the-kids-travel-agency90/1362596974_original.jpg'>Click here for flyer</a></p>2016-09-09 00:52:26 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/kids-stay-eat-and-play-free
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/kids-stay-eat-and-play-freeDisney Cruise Kids Sail Free Promotion<h2 class='h1Interior' style='border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: lighter; margin: 2px 0px 8px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 122, 162); text-transform: uppercase; line-height: 24px; '>
KIDS SAIL FREE ON SELECT CRUISES FROM GALVESTON</h2><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>&lt;img class=&quot;alignCenter-dta&quot; src=&quot;http://media.disneywebcontent.com/StaticFiles/DTA-Domestic/images/Featured%20Offer/DCLGalveston-Arrival.jpg&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px auto 7px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; display: block; &quot;&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
Kids ages 17 and under can sail FREE on select 6-night and 8-night &lt;span class=&quot;nomenclature-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;Disney Cruise Line&lt;/span&gt;® sailings from Galveston.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 16px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
With the new 8-night Bahamian itinerary sailing from Galveston, you can visit the &lt;span class=&quot;nomenclature-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;Walt Disney World&lt;/span&gt;® Resort and Disney&#39;s own private island paradise, &lt;span class=&quot;nomenclature-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;Castaway Cay&lt;/span&gt;. Included in the cruise fare on this itinerary is a 1-Day &lt;span class=&quot;nomenclature-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;Magic Your Way&lt;/span&gt;® Ticket with &lt;span class=&quot;nomenclature-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;Park Hopper&lt;/span&gt;® Option for each Guest and complimentary round-trip transportation between the ship and the Resort. Also available are exciting 6- and 8-night Western Caribbean cruises with scheduled stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 16px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
&lt;span class=&quot;h1-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); &quot;&gt;Offer Details:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br&gt;
To take advantage of this offer, kids must travel with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in categories 4A – 11B on select cruises from Jan. 4 – March 1, 2013. Government Taxes and Fees are approximately $52 per person for 6-night Western Caribbean cruises, $66 per person for 8-night Western Caribbean cruises, and $84 per person for 8-night Bahamian cruises (all amounts subject to change).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;h1-dta noBottomMargin-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 16px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); &quot;&gt;
Travel Window:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 16px 30px; outline: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; &quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
Most sail dates Jan. 4 – March 1, 2013&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;h1-dta noBottomMargin-dta&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); &quot;&gt;
Additional Details:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 16px 30px; outline: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-left: 0px; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; &quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
This offer is only available to residents of the U.S. and Canada&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
Offer applies only to stateroom categories 4A – 11B&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
Excludes suites, category 11C staterooms and GTY categories with restrictions &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
Stateroom accommodations for four or more Guests are limited and based on availability at the time of booking&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
This offer cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
For children age 17, verification of age is required within 48 hours of booking. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; &quot;&gt;
Additional Terms and Conditions apply&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</code></pre>
2016-09-09 00:57:01 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/disney-cruise-kids-sail-free-promotion
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/disney-cruise-kids-sail-free-promotionPress Release - the Family Vacation Marketplace<p>
<a href='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/alex/3ov5nxmk7yh.pdf'><img alt='' src='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/alex/1349381875_large.jpg' style='width: 231px; height: 299px; float: left; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 10px;' /></a>Let’s Take the Kids Travel Agency located in Ottawa, On., has been a Canadian pioneer in the family vacation market since 1990. We have watched the family travel market grow in leaps and bounds.<br />
<br />
We recently decided to sponsor a Family Vacation Marketplace for two days, November 10th and 11th, of this year. The purpose of the Marketplace is to provide a cross-section of exhibitors from worldwide destinations an opportunity to personally familiarize show attendees with their specialized family-oriented products and services.<br />
<br />
We have invited Cruise Lines, Package Vacation Tour Operators, Wholesalers, Tourist Boards, and End suppliers who successfully cater to family travelers’ needs and whom we have had the pleasure of dealing with over the past 23 years to actively participate in this event. A Travel Industry "First".<br />
<br />
15,000 square ft of exhibition space has been procured for this event in the CE Centre in Ottawa. The CE Centre is Eastern Ontario's largest and best-equipped, purpose-built, event space for regional, national and international consumer and trade shows.<br />
<br />
Although there is no entrance fee for attendees, this is not a "run through and pick up material" trade show. The design of the show will afford each of the exhibitors comfortable and ample space in which to work and present their products in a relaxed ambience conducive to discussion and product knowledge.<br />
<br />
The purpose of the event is to inform and educate the general public of the vast number of choices available to families wanting to plan for their holiday together.<br />
<br />
Using the web site designed for this particular event, attendees will have the opportunity tp preregister for 20 minute sessions with exhibitors of their choice.<br />
<br />
Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to do 20-30 minute scheduled, pre-announced group presentations in exhibition areas set aside for this purpose.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/alex/3ov5nxmk7yh.pdf'>Click for PDF document</a> (123KB)<br />
</p>2019-01-02 20:20:36 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/press-release-the-family-vacation-marketplace
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/press-release-the-family-vacation-marketplaceTravel alert!!<pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
CE Center - November 10th &amp; 11th 2012&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
Sponsored by &quot;Let&#39;s Take the Kids Travel&quot;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</pre><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>Mark your calendars and save the date...&lt;/p&gt;</code></pre>
2017-04-16 19:54:20 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/travel-alert
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/travel-alertFDR 50/50 Summer Special<p>
Just to prove that we are with you 100%.</p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>In celebration of Jamaica&#39;s 50 years of Independence, LTTK and FDR Runaway Bay Jamaica have introduced a 50% off sale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;FDR vacation nanny on the beach with 2 small children&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/maritala-robinson/1341346233_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 319px; height: 480px; float: left; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px;&quot;&gt;Rates &lt;strong&gt;per night &lt;/strong&gt;in $US based on minimum of 2 adults per suite&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
150.00 per adult for 1 bedroom oceanfront suite&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
50.00 per adult for upgrade to 2 bedroom suite&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
50.00 for 2 children 6 -15 years (Only have 1 child 6-15 years? .. borrow one or take the one you have for 50% off. That&#39;s right $25.00 each...)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
50.00 per teen 16- 19 years travelling with 2 adults&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
00.00 per child under 6 years ... limit of 50 kids /suite.... just kidding&lt;/li&gt;</code></pre>
<pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>This is no half-baked offer!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
Everything else is 100% as usual... Service, drinks, entertainment, food, sports, airport transfers&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
And, the most precious part of all, your 100% devoted Nanny - one per family from 9:00am until 4:30 pm.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;
Book by July 31st. Travel now - Sept 30, 2012.&lt;/h3&gt;</code></pre>
2016-09-09 00:58:51 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/fdr-50-50-summer-special
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/fdr-50-50-summer-specialCommunity Tourism in South Western Jamaica<p>
<img alt='' src='http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339445384_large.jpg' style='width: 360px; height: 480px; ' /></p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>I have been to Westmorland Parish before several times including the famous Negril which is at the very western part of the Parish but my destination was Belmont in the Bluefield&#39;s Bay area. 10 years ago I was in the same area with my wife and daughter and I had the opportunity to meet a local taxi/tour driver named Wolde Kristos. He was our driver during our stay in Whitehouse 10 years ago and we have kept in communication ever since. He has a tour company that runs birding tours, off-the-beaten-path tours, as well as regular tours such as YS Falls and the Appleton Rum factory. &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.jamaicabirding.com&quot;&gt;www.jamaicabirding.com&lt;/a&gt; and Reliable Adventures Jamaica. I have sent several clients to him over the past 10 years and all clients have been very satisfied with his great service and knowledge. Not only does he have the two tour companies he is also a community organizer and mentor to many. He has been instrumental in building schools for the local kids, creating a fish sanctuary in Bluefield&#39;s Bay (which kick started other fish sanctuaries in Jamaica). He has been featured on CNN and in National Geographic magazine. His tour company is unique when compared to others, as it was the first tour company to have its entire staff certified in Team Jamaica, Tour Guiding, Security Awareness, and Life Saving Skills.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339442675_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 360px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
Once in Belmont I checked into the Horizon Cottages for 2 nights. It is a tiny place with only two cottages, which are basically on the water, no restaurant, no front desk, but spectacular views, nice grounds, kayaks for guests, a small beach with pier, and a great staff. Great spot for a romantic couples gateway or to just relax and get away from everything. The cottages are for couples and are small with a galley kitchen, outdoor shower, and verandah to enjoy western Jamaica&#39;s fantastic sunset.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339443004_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
The next day Wolde picked me up nice and early and took me to YS Falls. He really wanted to get me there early and beat the crowds from Negril and Montego Bay resorts. It was a great idea since I was basically alone for about 3 hours enjoying the waterfalls and its new natural pools. Once the crowds came it was a different atmosphere....worth having a guide who knows what he is doing! We spent the morning and most of the afternoon at YS since its grounds are spectacular. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339442759_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 360px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339443788_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
We then headed to Treasure Beach (Jake&#39;s) and Jack Sprats for dinner and drinks at this famous south coast restaurant and beach. Treasure Beach area is a cool place; I really liked the coastal plains look of the area with the mountain range in the background. After a great day on the road we then headed back to Belmont.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339444053_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
The next day Wolde picked me up to go on a hike up the Bluefield&#39;s Mountain. Here is a nice description of Wolde&#39;s tour that he offers through Reliable Adventures Jamaica:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&quot;Full day and half day Bluefields Mountain hikes are for the more adventurous who want to get to the top of the mountain - around 2300 feet (701m). From here, you can enjoy looking down on the turkey vultures as they soar below. Climbing at a steady pace on mountain paths and donkey tracks you will enjoy magnificent panoramic views over deep wooded valleys and old plantations. The route will pass through forests and woodlands, alive with the sounds of birds and see brightly coloured butterflies. The beautiful mangrove and forest fringed coastline stretching from South Negril Point to the northwest and St Elizabeth to the southeast is far below. In the picture-postcard turquoise and aquamarine Caribbean Sea we can see coral reefs and watch fishing boats at work in historic Bluefields Bay. On our upwards journey we will meet people in the communities as they go about their daily work on their hill farms growing pimento, cassava, yam. In season, we will taste some of the local fruits: mango, soursop, sweetsop. We will visit old wooden dwellings to see how the people used to live in days gone by without the benefit of electricity and running water. At the top of the mountain we will rest awhile at Rasta Roberts&#39; small house and enjoy chatting with him. All guests on our hiking tours have the opportunity for a swim at Bluefields Beach. This is followed by a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the nearby Bluefields River. And, as you can imagine, after all that exercise, it’s time for total relaxation and a well-earned meal at a local seaside restaurant.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
We had a fantastic day hiking in the Bluefield&#39;s Mountain and ending at the beach with a couple Red Stripes! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;Bluefields Bay &quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339444165_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
The next two nights I stayed with Wolde at his home in Belmont; not only is he a great tour guide but a great host as well. While I stayed with Wolde we continued touring the area and headed to the Appleton Rum Factory. Great tour of the Appleton Estates which is in St. Elizabeth Parish North East of the YS Falls. Great drive through Middle Quarters St. Elizabeth Parish, Bamboo Alley, Scot&#39;s Cove or better known as &quot;Border&quot; for a fried fish and bammy (cassava flatbread) lunch. We then headed to Beaston Springs which is a small farming community just north of Belmont in Westmoreland. We really wanted to continue the great time and the flow of rum so we headed to a cool drinking spot in Beeston Springs famous for their mento music. We met some of the local community organizers and NGO&#39;s at the bar and had some great conversations. Definitely made some new friends in Beeston Springs! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339444027_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339444931_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
The next day, sadly, I had to go home!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
I really love Jamaica, lush, fresh, green, and the friendliest people!!! When you go to Jamaica you do yourself and the country a disservice by staying locked up behind the walls of your resort. You must experience the real Jamaica and to do that you must to go on one of these community-based tours, not a tour from your hotel/resort but really dig and look for the Ainsworth&#39;s and the Wolde&#39;s of Jamaica. You won&#39;t be disappointed!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.jamaicabirding.com&quot;&gt;www.jamaicabirding.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</code></pre>
2018-12-29 04:46:15 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/community-tourism-in-south-western-jamaica
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/community-tourism-in-south-western-jamaicaCaving and Birding in Cockpit Country Jamaica<pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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One of the destinations in Jamaica I had always had an interest in is the Cockpit Country. Cockpit Country is large rugged, fairly inaccessible area of inland Jamaica. It is an island within an island of specially adapted biodiversity found nowhere else in the world and is a last refuge for some species driven from the rest of Jamaica by humans. It is a nature lover&#39;s paradise. Rich in history and culture, the region is riddled with towering cliffs, limestone caves, underground rivers and flowing waterfalls. It was also a place where a population of Maroons was able to force the British into signing a peace treaty in 1738. I did some research and found an NGO called the Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency (www.stea.net) which runs tours in the Cockpit Country and are based out of Albert Town Trelawny. I pre arranged a 3 night B&amp;B tour of the Cockpit Country with STEA and off I went.&lt;/p&gt;</pre><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339433719_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
I was picked up at the Montego Bay airport by 2 employees of STEA, Ainsworth my guide and Andrew our driver. The drive was not as long as I had expected and after 1.5 hours of winding up the mountain on narrow but good roads we arrived at Rock Spring and my accommodations called Pingue&#39;s B&amp;B. Mr. and Mrs. Pingue are wonderful hosts and had lunch waiting for me when I arrived. The accommodations were good, basic, but it is all that I needed. The food was great and you can&#39;t get any fresher food than theirs. Mr. Pingue is a farmer and grows the local crop, yam, but also grows bananas, plantain, potato, they also have chickens and pigs....farm fresh eggs and meat! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339434277_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
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After settling in Ainsworth came to get me and took me to the one of the local hang outs which was almost next door to the B&amp;B. The country stores become local hang outs where mostly the men from the community hang out drink beer, rum and play dominos or cards. After meeting the local youths and having a few Dragon Stouts (careful they are 7.5%) I had to take a nap! That night there was a dance so I needed my energy. The Dance really got going around midnight and it was packed with locals from the surrounding communities. In Jamaica music and dances are as important as breathing, especially music. Music is everywhere in Jamaica blaring out of cars, homes, stores, and bars. Being the Easter weekend, music happened to be coming from all angles of the communities which was great for me since I can&#39;t get enough reggae! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339436790_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 360px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
So after getting back from the dance in the wee hours of the morning I got some rest and then was off to the Rock Spring Caves for my caving adventure. The Rock Spring area offers two of the best caving experiences in Jamaica, with mazes, secret chambers and waterfalls. The caves are a network of river caves. Separate from the river caves are several other sites that are high and dry, but the majority of the sites in the district are very wet labyrinths that have multiple entrances. My guide Ainsworth was full of knowledge about the caves and the rock formations and was happy to share all his knowledge, he is a fantastic guide.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339435208_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
The next day Ainsworth and I went on another adventure, the Burnt Hill Nature Walk. Burnt Hill was once a road built by the Canadians in the mid-1900’s but due to the small amount of traffic that uses the road it is slowly finding its way back to nature. Cockpit Country is truly a bird-watchers paradise, as dozens of species endemic to Jamaica pass overhead. Birders will notice wild yellow and black-billed parrots, yellow-billed amazons and flocks of &quot;doctor birds&quot;, a species of hummingbird indigenous to Jamaica. We hiked for about 3 hours and ended up in Clark&#39;s Town. During the hike we saw many birds and plants and local farmers tending to their crops. We ended up seeking shelter in a farmers hut while it poured rain. After our hike Andrew the driver picked us up took us to a local bar where we doused ourselves with white rum to ward off any cold virus thinking of infecting us. Jamaicans believe white rum is a cure for everything...works for me! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339434529_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 360px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
After washing my head and face with white rum (and having a sip or two) we headed to Burwood Public Beach where there was a huge crowd seeing that it was Easter Monday and a public holiday. This is one of the nicest beaches on the north cost for families and kids. The water is very shallow and you can walk out quite far and be in waist deep turquoise water. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
The next day my time in Trelawny and Cockpit Country came to an end. I bid my farewell to my hosts and new friends in the community and was off to my next destination and adventure in Westmorland Parish. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339435852_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 360px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339437251_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</code></pre>
2019-01-17 21:44:50 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/caving-and-birding-in-cockpit-country-jamaica
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/caving-and-birding-in-cockpit-country-jamaicaMy Family's FDR Resort Trip over Easter 2012<p>
Just recently I had the opportunity to travel to Jamaica with my family over Easter...2012. I travelled with my wife and two kids (10 and 5 years old) for one week to the Franklyn D. Resort and then I stayed on in Jamaica for an additional week while my wife and kids sadly came home to Canada (check my next blog post...community tourism). We had a great time at the FDR resort week one and I had an adventurous time on my own week two. </p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>The FDR Resort is a unique boutique resort in Runaway Bay Jamaica. Why is it unique? Well it offers every family who checks in a vacation nanny. Not only that but all of their 76 suites are 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms suites/apartments and 99% of them with fully equipped kitchens (even though it is an all inclusive property) . It is a resort wholeheartedly geared to families especially those with younger children. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
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As a parent how many times do you get to go away on a vacation with the kids and have a real break? The fact that the nanny gives parents a real break makes it a great vacation for all. While our kids were with our nanny Shirnette doing one of the many daily activities - Tie Dye T shirts, arts and crafts, tennis lessons, beach games, crab races, goat races, fishing off the main pier, pool time, and just hanging out with the other nannies and their kids - we got to go for nice long walks down the beach, read by the pool, have a drink by the bar and play the bar games that the activity co-coordinators put on throughout the day. Those were fun, especially the musical chairs....funny seeing a bunch of adults playing like kids again! One of the most fun activities my wife and I got to do was to go on the daily bike ride. We never get to go on a bike ride together! &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
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Our nanny was fantastic! Our kids really bonded with her and would ask us where Shirnette was when she was not around. The nannies work from 0900 to 1640 but they have a 1 hour lunch break and they also clean your room. A real bonus to mention here is that the nannies are willing to baby sit for $6 a hour before or after their regular hours. You make arrangements directly with your nanny.. We actually took advantage of the fact that our son wanted to nap while Shirnette was cleaning the room anyways. This meant we did not have to stay in our room and waste any precious vacation time. Shirnette would be there and they would come and find us when he woke.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
Another great feature that FDR offers is that they will stock your room with certain snacks and drinks. When you meet your nanny she will ask you to fill out a request form for any snacks and drinks. We got cheese and crackers, milk, apple juice, Ting, water, fresh fruit, Cheerios, apples.....&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
Food and service was good at all restaurants. When it&#39;s lunch hour though the beach grill does get busy so be patient. Everyone wants a piece of that excellent jerk chicken!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
It is a fantastic resort for families. It is in need of some TLC, but would I continue to sell it and would I go again....in a heartbeat. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
After taking my wife and kids to the Montego Bay airport after a week at FDR I stayed on in Jamaica and explored a few areas I have not been to before. I went off to explore Jamaica and experience the real Jamaica.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
&lt;img alt=&quot;&quot; src=&quot;http://media.gttwl.com/attachments/letstakethekidstravel.com/edmundo-roa/1339012687_large.jpg&quot; style=&quot;width: 640px; height: 480px; &quot;&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</code></pre>
2016-09-09 01:00:24 -0400http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/my-families-fdr-resort-trip-over-easter-2012
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/my-families-fdr-resort-trip-over-easter-2012Welcome to our new website<p>
Some upcoming articles will highlight some of the new features of the site. One feature that some of you will notice is that now our various blogs are integrated into the site, rather than being hosted elsewhere.</p><pre style="border: solid 3px red; background-color: pink" class="markdown-html-error">Maruku could not parse this XML/HTML:
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<pre><code>We will be uploading&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;
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blog-type articles,&lt;/li&gt;
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special deals,&lt;/li&gt;
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unique family travel experiences etc&lt;/li&gt;
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and much more&lt;/li&gt;</code></pre>
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<pre><code>on a much more frequent basis than on our old, static-type site, so it will be worth coming back often.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
We are excited to have you with us. We hope you like the re-design, and are able to find the information that you are looking for. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;
If you find any glitches, and can spare a minute to tell us, or if you think the new design is the best thing since the last best thing that you saw, &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:alex@lttk.ca?subject=Let&#39;s%20Take%20the%20Kids%20Travel%20New%20Website&quot;&gt;please let us know&lt;/a&gt;!&lt;/p&gt;</code></pre>
2018-02-22 19:02:34 -0500http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/welcome-to-our-new-website
http://www.letstakethekidstravel.gttwl.com/post/view/welcome-to-our-new-website